Irregular Menstrual Cycles for Women – 6 Causes of Spotty Periods

July 2nd, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

The reasons your period is irregular (spotty, too heavy, too long, too light, nonexistent) may be easily remedied! Here are six things that cause irregular menstrual cycles for women, plus tips on regulating your menstrual cycle. But remember:  if your period hasn’t shown up for months and you’re not pregnant, or if you’re experiencing irregular or odd-colored spotty periods, you need to talk to your family doctor or a gynecologist.

“In man, the shedding of blood is always associated with injury, disease, or death,” said Dr Estelle Ramey. “Only the female half of humanity was seen to have the magical ability to bleed profusely and still rise phoenix-like each month from the gore.”

Your period is a wonderful thing, my friends…even if it doesn’t always seem like it! If you’re really struggling to regulate your cycle, you might want to read What You Must Know About Women’s Hormones: Your Guide to Natural Hormone Treatents for PMS, Menopause, Osteoporosis, PCOS, and More. And, here are six things that cause irregular periods, plus a few tips on regulating your menstrual cycle…

Irregular Menstrual Cycles for Women – 6 Causes of Spotty Periods

1. Allergy medications can cause skipped periods. “One of the most common skipped-period scenarios results from a popular treatment for allergic reactions,” writes Dr Rebecca Booth in The Venus Week: Discover the Powerful Secret of Your Cycle…at Any Age (it’s a book about how magical menstruation can be!). Oral steroids such as prednisone can suppress allergic reactions by suppressing the immune system – and result in a skipped period. Dr Booth advises avoiding system-wide steroids whenever possible. If you’re taking prescription drugs, remember that medications can cause irregular periods.

2. Lack of progesterone can cause irregular periods – but so can too much! Progesterone deficiency supposedly causes PMS, chronic fatigue, breast pain, low libido, etc – but it’s not always the case! That is, low progesterone may not cause those health problems for women. “While low-dose supplementation of progesterone in the appropriate part of the cycle is safe, the challenge is not to overdo it,” says Dr Booth. Too much progesterone can cause irregular or no periods.





3. Environmental toxins can imbalance women’s hormones. Environmental endocrine disruptors can disrupt your hormone balance, which disrupts your period. To regulate your periods, minimize your exposure to heavy metals (for instance, only eat tuna once a week – and avoid it altogether if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive a baby). For more info, read how to increase fertility levels by avoiding certain toxins.

4. Smoking can cause irregular menstrual cycles. If you smoke cigarettes, be warned that it hastens menopause and weakens your menstrual cycle! Cigarette toxins affect your ovaries and circulatory system, and secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and some cancers. Women who smoke enter menopause two years earlier than those who don’t smoke. To regulate your period, quit smoking.

5. Drinking alcohol affects ovulation and fertility levels. Another cause of irregular periods is drinking more than five alcoholic drinks a week; it reduces ovulation and female fertility levels (for more info, read Reasons for Female Infertility). Polyphenols in red wine may have health benefits – but small amounts are best. “If you want to get pregnant, it’s best to leave alcohol out of your diet altogether,” writes Dr Booth.

6. Low body fat or low weight disrupts women’s hormones. If your body fat is below 15% of your body weight or blood leptin levels are below normal, then you’ll lose the hormones that contribute to regular periods. Losing those hormones also leads to hair loss, dry skin, bone loss, and other health problems. To regulate your period, find and stay at your healthy weight. And, make sure you eat foods that make your period regular.

If your period was always regular but has recently become irregular, you need to talk to your doctor. Many other health factors can affect menstrual cycles, such as fibroids, cysts, polyps, etc. The only way to find out what’s going on is to visit your physician in person.

To learn more about menstruation, read 6 Facts About Your Period.



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There Are 67 Responses So Far. »

  1. Comment by ana on 8 July 2009:

    I have irregular periods. I used to take pills, but I stopped. It’s been 4 months and I have not had a period. I don’t want to start the pills again. The doctor told me it was my hormones, and they cause me to have acne too. I don’t know what to do. ?

  2. Comment by LauriePK on 9 July 2009:

    Ana, the way to treat your irregular periods depends on the cause of your irregular periods! What exactly is driving your hormones to be unbalanced? If your doctor can’t narrow it down more specifically — such as a thyroid problem — then you might want to consider seeing another doctor.

    In the meantime, read my article: 8 Natural Ways to Regulate Your Period

    If you do try any of the natural herbal remedies, I suggest trying one at a time. That is, don’t mix black cohosh with wild yam root.

    I hope this helps a little! Good luck.

    Laurie

  3. Comment by ana on 10 July 2009:

    Hey Ms. Laurie, can you please write Part 2 on Things that cause irregular periods and share more ways to regulate our periods for me and other women that need your help? Thanks for the info you share with us.

  4. Comment by LauriePK on 12 July 2009:

    Hi Ana,

    Thanks for being here, and motivating me to write another article about regulating your period! Without you, this wouldn’t exist…..

    This article is called 5 Foods That Make Your Menstrual Cycle Regular — it’s amazing how much what you eat affects your period! I didn’t realize how bad white foods and how important omega 3 fatty acids are.

    A couple weeks ago, I started taking an omega 3 fatty acid every day. I’d written an article on brain health for Health magazine, and the docs told me how important omega 3 fatty acids are for your brain….but I had no idea they can affect your period, too!

    Anyway, here’s the article link:
    http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogbaby/quipstipscouplesinfertility/health/5-foods-that-make-your-menstrual-cycle-regular/

    I hope it helps, Ana.

    Best wishes,
    Laurie

  5. Comment by kbrya on 4 August 2009:

    i would really like more info about periods thanks

  6. Comment by LauriePK on 4 August 2009:

    Here’s an article called “How Your Period Affects Your Libido and Mood.”
    http://theadventurouswriter.com/blog/quipstipsachievinggoals/health-wellness/health-tips-period-affects-libido-hormones-mood/

    And later this week, I’d be happy to write a different one about periods and menstruation, here on Quips & Tips. I’ll post the link here when I do!

    Laurie

  7. Comment by Solonge on 17 August 2009:

    My cycle is irregular it can be 21 days, 26, sometimes 27, or even 30..
    Is this a sign of something? how to deal with especially that I’m trying to conceive? Any tests you recommend?
    Thanks

  8. Comment by Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG on 19 August 2009:

    Hi Ana and Solonge,

    I’d like to weigh in first on Ana’s situation. LauriePK is correct in that your doctor needs to investigate things a little to find out the cause. The treatment will then be tailored to the cause. Irregular menstrual cycles are NOT normal and should not be treated symptomatically i.e. just correct the cycles. We can do this with various hormone treatments such as birth control pills, progesterone, and certainly with some “natural” remendies as suggested. However, this does not solve the problem and there could be long term consequences to the abnormal hormonal environment.

    In reponse to Solonge, menstrual cycles have a margin that is considered within normal limints. That is plus or minus 7 days. They can be one week out of range. We still would consider this normal. Certainly if your cycles are highly unpredictable, it can affect your fertility in that it usually means there is some type of hormonal abnormality causing the irregularity. This hormonal abnormality will have an affect on ovulation and implantation of the egg so it needs to be corrected.

    Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
    Executive Medical Director
    The Fertility and Gynecology Center
    Monterey Bay IVF Program

  9. Comment by Laurie PK on 19 August 2009:

    Thanks, Dr Ramirez, for answering these questions!

    Irregular periods can be corrected — it just takes time to figure out what’s causing the irregularity. Talking to your doctor really is the best way — and asking him or her to about what tests might be good to take.

    Laurie

  10. Comment by Solonge on 20 August 2009:

    Thank you so much Dr Ramirez & Laurie for your reply. They were very helpful!

  11. Comment by Bill Bartmann on 3 September 2009:

    Cool site, love the info.

  12. Comment by Lisa on 9 October 2009:

    Hi! I have a high prolaction level so I do not get my period and the doctor has put me on provera or cabergoline in the past to induce it. I would prefer a more natural way to reduce my prolaction to induce my period. I have an empty sella that causes my prolaction increase in my pituatary. Thanks!

  13. Comment by Arlyn D. on 27 October 2009:

    I have irregular periods, because they come sometimes more than once a month ( I am 23 years old never married) and well it lasts up to a week, and it doesn’t come on the same date. I have no idea what could be causing this but I have had it normally coming once each month sometimes, then it comes back to being irregular, meaning it comes more often like twice a month. I need more infor please.

  14. Comment by Angela Linder on 5 November 2009:

    Hi. After I had my baby I got an IUD. With it I had no periods at all. We decided to have another baby so I got it taken out. Ever since then my periods are completely irregular. I had a complete hormone blood work done and there was nothing that was off. Why are my periods so crazy? I am now on the pill to try to help get them regulated but I desperetly want to be pregnant again. Thanks!

  15. Comment by amorine on 7 November 2009:

    hi, i want to know more information about my period….i have irregular period…doctor said that everything will be alrite after i’m 18th and i’m very worried cause i’m 18plus now….i’m still consuming tyroid medicine but only in very very low doses…. i want to be a normal woman just like others…what should i do???

  16. Comment by Laurie PK on 9 November 2009:

    Hi Amorine,

    I have two suggestions for you:

    1) Go to a new doctor. I think it’s a good idea to get a second opinion, especially for something that’s so important! Having a regular period will make you feel healthier and more balance.

    2) Try natural ways of regulating your period. In the “Related Articles” list at the end, there are a couple different articles about natural ways to have regular periods and foods that balance your hormones and regulate your periods. I suggest considering those ideas.

    And finally, remember that periods change as we age. In fact, periods change from month to month! Maybe 18 years old isn’t your magic number…but maybe 19 is, or 20. I don’t know — and I think it’s hard for doctors to predict that as well (though it’s still worth getting a second opinion).

    I hope this helps a little…I hope you’re able to get a second opinion.

    Take care,
    Laurie

  17. Comment by amorine on 11 November 2009:

    Thanks laurie for the information…i really appreciate that…i really dunno what to do…
    i still have question….
    how about the thyroid medicine? is it really can effects my period process??
    and do you mean that my periods can be normal when i’m 19 or 20?
    does it means that i’m infertill if i have irregular period?

    i’m looking forward for the answers…thanks Laurie!

  18. Comment by LILY on 16 November 2009:

    Hi Laurie,
    i read all ur article and i’m really impressed and helped me to have lot of knowledge on it. But my problem is, i am 71 kgs and my height is 5.4inches. Does this affect irregular periods? i am getting my periods at 1.5 or more than 2months sometimes. please advise

  19. Comment by Laurie PK on 18 November 2009:

    Hi Amorine,

    I did some research and yes, thyroid medication can affect your period. In fact, thyroid medicine is a common cause of irregular periods and unusual menstrual flow! Talk to your doctor about taking a different type of medication or reducing your dosage…but don’t mess around with your prescription without your doctor’s knowledge.

    Though nobody can say for sure when your periods will be normal and regular, I do think that time changes our menstrual cycles. So, I think your periods could be normal when you’re 19 or 20…but of course nobody can guarantee that for you. I’m afraid to say that some women struggle with irregular periods their whole life.

    I don’t think irregular periods are a sign of infertility — though they can be. The only way to know for sure about infertility is to get tested by a doctor. There’s no point in getting scared or upset about not being able to get pregnant until you know for sure if it’s true! And, you won’t know until you get a fertility test.

    I hope this helps a little — and I hope your periods get regular!

    Laurie

  20. Comment by Laurie PK on 18 November 2009:

    Hi Lily,

    Weight definitely affects our menstrual cycle. Both underweight and overweight experience irregular periods — or sometimes no period at all.

    You don’t sound excessively overweight! But, the best way to find out if your weight is affecting your period is to talk to your doctor. Another possibility is to change your eating and exercise habits to lose weight…even a loss of 10 or 15 pounds might affect your hormones and menstrual cycle.

    If you’d like some articles on weight loss, I’d be happy to post the links here! I lost 25 pounds since I got married, because I’m learning my husband’s healthy eating habits. I wrote all about it, and would be happy to share what worked for me :-)

    Take care,
    Laurie

  21. Comment by amorine on 20 November 2009:

    thanks laurie!! u really help me a lot…
    now i know what to do…^^
    thank you very much…
    i hope u can help loads of people n give them answers n knowledge to know themselves better….may God bless u!!!

    love,
    aamorine

  22. Comment by Bonnie on 13 December 2009:

    Hi Laurie,

    I am 15 now about to be 16 and i started getting my period at 12 years old. sometimes i get heavy periods when i am on holiday, but these past few months, my period have been very irregular and very light. sometimes it has taken over 6 months for me to get one. will it regulate as i get older? in some cases, i have read that it may only do so in your early 20s.

  23. Comment by Laurie PK on 14 December 2009:

    Hi Bonnie,

    Not getting your period for six months goes beyond “just” having irregular periods, I think. That may be amenorrhea — a total absence of menstruation. Irregular periods are when you get your period every month (mostly), but it comes at totally different times and at different flows (heavy one month, light the next). I’m not saying you have amenorrhea…I’m just saying that irregular periods aren’t often about not getting your period at all!

    Yes, I’ve also read that periods do become more regular as we get older. In fact, it’s very common to have irregular periods for the first 2-3 years after getting your period for the first time. As we age, our bodies change and commonly give us more regular cycles.

    Irregular periods in teens and even older women are caused by stress, hormone changes, low body weight (not enough fat!), or extreme physical activity/athleticism.

    I encourage you to talk to your doctor about your periods. It may be embarrassing and awkward — but remember that this is their JOB, just like it’s your teacher’s job to talk about homework and your parent’s job to make sure you’re taken care of. Doctors deal with periods all day long, and won’t think your questions, experience, or body is weird.

    If you can’t talk to your doctor, then talk to a woman in person (an aunt, big sister, mom, or someone you trust). You could also call a healthline — I don’t know if one exists in your area, but many communities have health info lines that are “manned” by nurses who can answer all sorts of questions.

    I hope this helps, and that you’re able to get the info you need from in-person help!

    Take care,
    Laurie

  24. Comment by Crystal on 22 December 2009:

    Dear Laurie,
    I am turning 29 in January and can feel my biological clock ticking. My husband and I have been trying to concieve for the past 7 years after the birth of our seconds son. We did have a miscariage 3 years ago but have had no progress since. I have had irregular periods since I was 11 when I began menstrating-by age 17 I was missing my period for 6-9 months at a time. I had tests ran and was fine.When I was 21 I began menstrating regularly after loosing 70 pounds and concieved my son. After he was born my menstral cycles became irregular again. At 25 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and two years later I started menstrating again and I concieved my second pregnancy which ended the first trimester in a miscarriage. A few months later I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and put on metformin which is suposed to regulate my menstral cycle but hasn’t. In August my Doctor put me on progesterone to get things moving and it worked. I had a regular cycle of 28 days but it only lasted for 3 months. This month I was late for my period by 2 weeks-had spotting for 1 week-nothing for another-spotting for 1 week and now I am not sure what to try next. I am overweight significantly and am wondering if i should diet. I am concerned that dieting and loosing a good amount of weight might make my periods even more infrequent?
    Crystal

  25. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 23 December 2009:

    Hi Crystal,

    I’ve notified Kristen Burris about your question, and asked her to give us her thoughts. She specializes in infertility, male and female health, and acupuncture, and is better able to speak to irregular periods and weight loss than I could.

    But, I do know that overweight women have a harder time getting pregnant — most doctors advise weight loss to improve chances of pregnancy. I don’t think weight loss would make your periods more irregular. In fact, just the opposite may happen! You may become more regular because your body will be healthier and more balanced if you’re at a healthy weight. I think your weight can also affect your thyroid, which can in turn affect your chances of getting pregnant.

    Let’s see what Kristen says — but give her a few days to respond, as she may be less available because of the holiday season!

    Blessings,
    Laurie

  26. Comment by Kristen Burris on 28 December 2009:

    Dear Crystal,
    What a tumultuous 7 years you have had in your journey of fertility. First and foremost, losing weight when you are significantly over-weight will only increase your fertility, not decrease it. Only women who suffer from anorexia or who are severely under-weight are at risk for diminishing their hormonal reserves.

    It is always best to see patients in person so we can get the whole picture. It sounds as if you are getting bits and pieces of the picture from different physicians. I would recommend seeing a reproductive endocrinologist and an acupuncturist and herbalist that specializes in fertility and get their professional opinion in person.

    Have you ever been tested for poly cystic ovarian syndrome PCOS? A lot of your symptomlogy mimics that pattern and it is often over-looked. Ask your doctor to test you.

    Weight loss is probably a critical component to your fertility success. There are many programs that are viable and some that are detrimental. I consult with patients over the phone throughout the nation for weight loss with considerable success by: modifying diet, altering food choices and adding in nutrients that stimulate weight loss and curb cravings. You want a program that is based on whole foods, not processed foods with food colorings and artificial sweeteners.

    Your concerns are complex and need a multi-dimensional approach to achieve a healthy and successful pregnancy but I have confidence that in time you will be with child again.

    Good luck!
    Kristen Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M., Dip. Ac.

  27. Comment by Leah on 31 December 2009:

    How can I regulate my periods??

    I have always been very regular and could always count on my periods being exactly 28 days apart. This past year though, they have been all over the place ranging from 24 to 32 days in between each and then with spotting in between for the last three months. My OBGYN did a sonogram and everything looked ok. I have also had a normal pap in the last month. My concern is that I would like to try getting pregnant this coming summer and am worried that my irregular cycles may make that a problem. My OBGYN did say that he would like to see my cycle more of a one to two day difference (27,28/28,29etc.) that what they are now but he did not give me any ideas on how to do that. Since I am wanting to get pregnant soon–birth control pills are not the answer. I had to take fertility pills to get pregnant the first time and do not want to do that again. I hated the way I felt when taking them.

    How can I regulate my periods??

    Since my last pregnancy I have found that I have gluten and milk protein allergies so now I eat a gluten, dairy, sugar, caffeine free diet. I take 5,000IU Vit D, a Multi Vit, Calcium and VitC supplements daily. I also work out three to four days a week at the gym. I am not overweight or underweight – I fall in the normal weight range for my height—I am 5ft 6in and 130lb.

    I am trying very hard to be MORE HEALTHY THIS TIME AROUND WHEN TRYING TO GET PREGNANT hoping it will help—-Just worried about the irregular periods.

  28. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 1 January 2010:

    Hi Leah,

    I love your name — I’ve always wished my name was Leah :-) And, I agree about fertility pills; I don’t like taking them either.

    The irregular periods can make it more difficult to get pregnant, but luckily there are several things you can do to regular your cycle! Here are two links to articles I’ve written about regulating your period:

    8 Natural Ways to Regulate Your Period

    5 Foods That Make Your Menstrual Cycle Regular

    Also, acupuncture is supposed to balance the body’s hormones, which can lead to a more regular cycle. Many acupuncturists specialize in fertility issues — I’d call one just to ask what’s involved, how much it costs, and what the chances are that acupuncture will get your period more regular.

    Finally, when you are trying to get pregnant, I suggest you use an ovulation predictor kit. Those indicator sticks and strips can tell you almost exactly when you’re ovulating, which means that having irregular periods may not be as big a problem as you think.

    How Ovulation Predictor Kits Work

    Good luck — and I’m glad you’re trying to stay more healthy this time around. I bet you’ll be pregnant this summer before you know it!

    Laurie

  29. Comment by Jen on 1 January 2010:

    I havent had my period in 8 months.. and I have been to the doctors and she said that my estrogen level is too low.. and she suggested me to take birth control.. what is another way for me to regulate my period again? are there foods to increase my estrogen level?

    is it possible that my period has stopped because i am exercising too much?

  30. Comment by Jen on 1 January 2010:

    To add to the above comment..
    im 16 years old

  31. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 3 January 2010:

    Hi Jen,

    Yes, too much exercise can definitely make your period irregular — and even stop it. So can having a too-high or too-low body weight. I’ve also read that teenagers sometimes have irregular periods for the first few years that they’re menstruating; some womens’ periods don’t even out or become regular until they’re in the 20′s.

    Regarding foods that increase estrogen levels — I found a good article on Livestrong. Here’s the link:

    What Foods Increase Estrogen?

    I encourage you to figure out a healthy body weight for your height. You can do an online search for “Body Mass Index” calculator, which will calculate your body mass index.

    I hope this helps, and that your period comes back soon! You may also want to consider talking to a different doctor, for a second opinion on the birth control pills.

    Take care,
    Laurie

  32. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 3 January 2010:

    PS — Jen, if my comment was sent to your email address and the link was messed up, here’s the link that works:

    What Foods Increase Estrogen?

  33. Comment by catalina on 3 January 2010:

    Hi I was wondering if Fertile aid is actually a good pill to take for women to help fertility? I have not had my period for 4 months and don’t know why. My Dr. put me on Provera which bought my period on for 2 days, but have not had a regular period since. Should I get back on birth control to regulate my cycle? Thanks!

  34. Comment by Jen on 3 January 2010:

    My BMI is in the healthy range.. and I do eat a very healthy diet, so i still dont know what my problem is

  35. Comment by Chris on 4 January 2010:

    Hi Laurie,
    I’m 16 years old and weigh around 110 and am around 5 2. I have been dating this boy for a while and we started messing around a little. I had never been with someone who used his fingers before but we started engaging in such acts since then my periods have been heavy and later than usual… Could this be because I started messing around, and will it go away?

  36. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 5 January 2010:

    Jen,

    I’m glad your BMI is in the healthy range! Try eating those foods that increase estrogen, and think about decreasing the amount of exercise you do.

    Also, consider seeing another doctor for a second opinion. A different doctor may ask different questions, which may help you figure out why you’re not getting your period.

    Laurie

  37. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 5 January 2010:

    Hi Catalina,

    I don’t know about Fertile Aid for you, and can’t tell you if you should take it.

    If I were you, I’d try as many natural ways to regulate my period as possible. Not just food, but things like acupuncture, a solid regular sleep schedule, exercises to decrease stress, etc — those all help to regulate our hormones and thus make periods regular.

    And I’d talk to my doctor — or even get a second opinion. Some birth control pills are wonderful in regulating periods, and the amount of estrogen in them can be very low. It just depends on the woman and the cause of the irregular periods. Sometimes, women need to try different types of birth control pills until they find what works for them.

    Good luck, and talk to your doctor! He or she is the best person to give you medical advice.

    Laurie

  38. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 5 January 2010:

    Hi Chris,

    I think it’s highly unlikely that your periods could be affected by your boyfriend’s use of his fingers. However, if you had an orgasm, then maybe the changes in your uterus affected your menstrual cycle. Or, your hymen may have changed or been broken, which might affect your periods. A third possibility is that your body is just changing on its own (and it will keep changing on its own!). Perhaps these changes in your period would have happened anyway — and it’s just a coincidence that it coincides with fooling around with your boyfriend.

    But, as I said, I don’t think the simple use of fingers can change your period or cycle.

    If your periods are really different than before, or if they’re painful, then I suggest talking to your doctor.

    All best,
    Laurie

  39. Comment by Chris on 5 January 2010:

    Thank you very much and while I’m asking unless I get pregnant is there any reason my periods could be irregular if we go farther such as oral or regular sex?

  40. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 7 January 2010:

    Hi Chris,

    No, I don’t think that can make your periods less regular….make sure you use protection, though. You’re too young to get pregnant!

    Also, make sure you’re ready to go further. Sometimes we do things we’re not ready for, and regret it later. It’s better to wait too long than to get physically involved too soon.

    Take care,
    Laurie

  41. Comment by Tracy on 8 January 2010:

    Hi Laurie,
    I’ve read that low-fat dairy products actually increase infertility risks while full-fat dairy products reduce them. Like Jen, my period has stopped for a few months now mostly because I exercised too much and ate a poor diet early last yr. i have reduced my workouts and eating right now. but my period isnt back yet so i’m wondering if consuming low-fat dairy could be one of the causes. i have a healthy BMI range and my body fat % is in the healthy range as well. could incorporating a little full-fat dairy into my daily diet be help restore my menstruation? if so, how do i do that without gaining weight/fat? thanks in advance.

  42. Comment by Liz on 9 January 2010:

    I am a 29 year old mother of 3 and was always like clock work. Had my period every 28 days. No questions. If i was a day late.. i KNEW i was pregnant.
    Now the past few years (since our youngest was born) i havent been able to get it regular. the dr has put me on meds to START it, Meds to STOP it, i have gone months without it and i now i have it lasting for about 2 weeks!
    I dont smoke, drink or do anything like that. I was diagnosed around the same time all this started with Fibromyalgia.
    Being a married Christian woman, i REALLY dont want to go back on Birth Control pills. REALLY. but i am getting frustrated with the irregularness of it all. (and i think i am becoming annemic)
    any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
    God bless
    Liz

  43. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 10 January 2010:

    Hi Tracy,

    Yes — I, too, saw the research that indicates that low-fat dairy products can affect fertility levels. Incorporating a little fat into your diet may help regulate your period. I’m not a doctor, so I’m obviously not giving medical advice, but I do know that balanced hormones are good for ovulation and fertility. And, the stuff they do to dairy products to make it low fat may affect the proteins, which in turn affects our hormones.

    Here’s my answer to your question:

    Tips for Eating a Full-Fat Dairy Diet Without Gaining Weight

    You might also find this article helpful:

    8 Natural Ways to Regulate Your Period

    I encourage you to try different things, including talking to your doctor! Other things might be going on, and getting a physical checkup might help you figure out the best way to regulate your menstrual cycle.

    Blessings,
    Laurie

  44. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 10 January 2010:

    Liz,

    I totally understand about not wanting to go on the birth control pill; I didn’t like being on it either. And, I’m also a married Christian woman! :-)

    Of course I can’t give you any medical advice, but I do suggest you read my article about regulating your periods naturally (see link in my comment above). Natural herbs like blue or black cohosh may help — and so can acupuncture. You may want to consider consulting a naturopath for remedies for irregular periods…you may be lucky enough to find the right solution quicker than you think.

    I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful, and hope the above article gives you some things to try (or at least learn more about!).

    Blessings,
    Laurie

  45. Comment by meli on 18 January 2010:

    I am 5’5 and 116 lbs. I think my BMI is normal but my bodyfat is 13 %. I am 35 years old and lately my periods have become irregular. I have 2 kids ages 4 and 8. I haven’t lost weight so could this irregularity be because I am getting older?

  46. Comment by Anonymous on 19 January 2010:

    Hi,

    I got my period when I was 12 years old and have had irregular periods since. I am currently 24 and about two years ago went on Yaz birth control to regulate it.
    I went off the birth control 4 months ago because i saw a commercial on TV that about Yaz that scared me.

    For the past 3 months I got my period exactly like clockwork on the 7th of each month. This month, the 4th month, it is the 19th and I still didn’t get it! I am super nervous and am terrified that I may be pregnant, even though that may be slightly impossible. I know that my periods used to be irregular but I never missed a month despite their irregularity.

    Please tell me that the reason I didn’t get my period yet is because the pill is still in my system! I need peace of mind and refuse to take a pregnancy test.

    Thanks,
    A

  47. Comment by Anonymous on 19 January 2010:

    P.S. I have not been stressed out recently, changed my eating habits, gained or lost weight..I am of average weight…

  48. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 20 January 2010:

    Hi Meli,

    Our bodies — and our menstrual cycles — definitely change as we age. Many women have irregular periods in their teens, and more regular ones as they reach their early 20s. Other women, however, always have irregular periods no matter what…and still others are like clockwork from day one!

    However, it’s impossible for me to say why your periods are now irregular. Even if I was a gynecologist with a gazillion years of experience, I wouldn’t be able to give you a diagnosis like that over the internet. To find out what could be going on with your cycle, you need to talk to your doctor in person.

    Sorry I can’t be more helpful, and I hope you’re able to get to the root of your irregular cycles soon!

    Laurie

  49. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 20 January 2010:

    Dear Anonymous,

    It is very possible that your body is still regulating itself, which is causing a missed period. It’s a big change to be on the pill for a couple of years, and then go off of it. Your body is still adjusting.

    And — get this — my period is over 2 weeks late! I’m not on birth control, and everything else in my life is normal. My point is that sometimes we miss our periods, or they’re late, simply because our bodies aren’t perfect.

    If your period hasn’t arrived in the next couple of weeks, I suggest you take the bull by the horns and get a pregnancy test. If you ARE pregnant, you need to know about it as soon as possible, so you can figure out what to do.

    Let me know what happens, okay? I hope the “crimson tide” comes for you soon!

    Laurie

  50. Comment by Anonymous on 20 January 2010:

    Laurie,

    Thanks for the peace of mind! I keep praying that my period will come, but so far it hasn’t :(

    My boyfriend keeps pushing me to take a pregnancy test, so I know that if my period doesn’t come within the next few days it’s inevitable that I will have to take it.
    I don’t want to take it..maybe I’m in denial..eeee I’m really nervous.

    Thanks for the comforting words, and I will keep you updated!

    -A

  51. Comment by Maddi on 23 January 2010:

    Hey,
    I kinda need your help!
    Okay so the last three months my period has been a little weird. I’m fourteen so I’d understand why me period wouldn’t be regular yet.
    But in October my period was on the 20th.
    In November it was on the 21st.
    In December it was on the 22nd.
    So it’s January now, will my period be on the 23rd?
    I wa just noticing because I’m seeing a pattern.

    Please help, thank you!

  52. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 25 January 2010:

    Hi Maddi,

    It sounds like your periods aren’t quite “irregular” yet…those dates are pretty close to being right on! That said, I don’t know if your next period will be on the 23rd — I think many women’s periods jump around a little. Some are exactly spot on (28 days, or 21 days, etc)…but others range a bit more.

    I think you need to go with the flow, as it were :-) Your periods sound pretty regular to me, and I don’t think you need to worry if they’re a day or so apart every month. It sure is nice to have them predictable, but they probably won’t be….and it’s best just to accept that you won’t get your period at the same time every month.

    I hope this helps a little….

    Laurie

  53. Comment by Marie on 10 February 2010:

    Hi, could you help me?

    I’m 13 and got my period 2 years ago. It’s never been regular and some months i skip my period all together. I don’t drink/smoke and i don’t understand why it’s not regular. The last time i got my period was on January 2 and it hasn’t come yet.

    Please help,
    Marie

  54. Comment by leena on 11 February 2010:

    SO I HAVE BEEN HAVING IRREGULAR PERIODS FOR THE PAST YEAR BUT SINCE I HAD MY IUD REMOVED. BUT NOW FOR THE LAST MONTH AND A HALF I HAVE BEEN BLEEDING VERY HEAVLY AND IT WONT STOP I EVEN GET BLOOD CLOTS.. WHAT COULD IT BE? PLEASE HELP ME

  55. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 11 February 2010:

    Hi Marie and Leena,

    Believe it or not, I have the same suggestion for both of you — even though you have the exact opposite problem with your periods!

    It’s not very creative advice, but I can’t give medical information to you….so all I can say is make an appointment with your family doctor or a even a gynecologist.

    Marie, it’s totally normal to skip periods sometimes, but you’ve missed two in a row. That’s not so normal. If you’re not pregnant, then you may be exercising too much?? I don’t know — that’s why you need to talk to a doctor about your period. Or, talk to your mom or a female health teacher — someone you trust.

    Leena, make sure you’re getting lots of iron! If your period is this heavy, you’re probably losing a ton of iron. Eat foods high in iron, and consider taking an iron supplement. And, go see your doctor — something may have gone wrong with the IUD removal.

    I hope you both start getting regular periods soon!

    Best wishes,
    Laurie

  56. Comment by Kelly on 16 February 2010:

    I have always been regular, Including in December. I was due to start the week of the Haiti earthquake Jan 12th.

    I had all the pms symptoms, but the day of the earthquake I was so frightened because i have friends there, that I was not able to hear from. I worried about them for 2 weeks or so.

    I was 1 week late. so I drank Parsley tea because I heard it can get things started. which is did. but I am wondering if forcing it to start with the tea messed up my cycle because a week and 1/2 ago, i started spotting brown, sometimes red. then back to brown. more than ever in the past. the last couple days it seems like it wants to start but it goes away. then comes back later on.

    Is there anything I can do to regulate this? I am thinking the worry about my friends caused my hormones to go unbalanced. I would like to get things started but I do not want to try and force it this month if it’s the parsley tea that messed things up.

  57. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 18 February 2010:

    Hi Kelly,

    I agree with you, that worrying about your friends can unbalance your hormones and cause your period to be late or spotty. I don’t know how much of an effect Parsley tea would have — it depends on how much you drank, how strong it was, and what other medications (if any) you’re taking. Herbal remedies can be surprisingly potent, and they can react badly with prescription medications, which is why it’s important to talk to a certified naturopath before taking herbal treatments for anything.

    For many women, an effective way to regulate your periods is to eat foods that are known to balance hormones. Here are a couple articles that offer natural, harmless ways to regulate you period:

    5 Foods That Make Your Menstrual Cycle Regular

    8 Natural Ways to Regulate Your Period

    If you try some of these tips and they don’t work after a month, I encourage you to talk to your doctor in person — or a naturopathic doctor. Every woman is different, with different health issues and lifestyles…and the best thing to do is get information that’s specific to you from a certified health practitioner.

    I hope those articles help, and that your menstrual cycle regulates itself soon!

    Laurie

  58. Comment by J on 20 February 2010:

    I’m almost 19 and my periods have never been regular. I have anemia and sometimes my periods will skip 2-3 months or just be a few weeks late and start up in the first few days of the following month. What could be causing this and what is a safe way to regulating my periods? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  59. Comment by Charm on 22 February 2010:

    Hi, I also was late for my period a few days, and have taken the Parsley tea which does work. I am wondering if my period will be regualar next month? I don’t know why my period was late this month, but I did get a blood and urine test and both came back negative. I think maybe the stress of thinking I was pregnant could have made me late, but ever since I found out I wasn’t I have been more relaxed ofcourse not completely because I was waiting for my period. I just want to know if I will be getting my period every month now without forcing it. I drank three cups of Parsley tea, it had 2 teaspoons of Parsley flakes, and I wasn’t taking any medications, and still am not. Can you help me?

  60. Comment by Pat on 22 February 2010:

    I am 14 and i just got my period april 12 2009. after that i got it july 26 and then after that i got it november 10. and i have not gotten it since. is that normal

  61. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 23 February 2010:

    Hi J — you’ve answered your own question! If you’re anemic, then you don’t have enough iron in your body to support regular periods. To make your period regular, you need to figure out the cause of the anemia (low body weight? blood loss from another health issue?), and treat that. And, you need to take iron pills or eat iron-rich foods to boost your iron levels. Both these suggestions require a visit to the doctor, I think. Some pharmacies won’t sell iron pills without a doctor’s prescription (depending on where you live). So, get thee to a doctor and get your anemia treated….

    Hi Charm — I think you asked the same question above, as Kelly. I answered you on Feb 18!

    Hi Pat — Well, it’s hard to say if your irregular menstrual cycles are normal or not because I know nothing about your body or lifestyle! Your best bet is to talk to a doctor in person, or even your school nurse. But, I do know that when girls first start getting their periods, their cycles are VERY irregular. Your periods are a few months apart, which is certainly irregular….but not necessarily something to be worried about. If I were you, I’d run it by my doctor or school nurse — or even my mom (because menstrual cycle irregularities can run in families). Don’t panic about it, because it could be totally normal. But, don’t ignore it, either.

    Blessings to all!

    Laurie

  62. Comment by jessica on 23 February 2010:

    i have not been getting my period for over five months now , the last time i had it was october :o what can i do to help get my period again? does having to eat too many chocolates in one day have to do with anything ? or eatingg a big breakfast then skipping lunch because you are not hungry have to do with not getting my period?

  63. Comment by anjali on 2 March 2010:

    i am not getting periods. last time i had on 1 jan 2010 . n it is march now. m little worried . how can i get . help me out please

  64. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 2 March 2010:

    Dear Anjali,

    If you haven’t had a period for two months, then you might consider taking a pregancy test! If there’s no way you could be pregnant, then you need to make an appointment with your family doctor. I don’t know why your period hasn’t come, but a doctor can do some tests and blood work, and figure out if you have hormone or other problems….

    I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful — you really need to talk to your doctor. An irregular menstrual cycle or spotty period could be due to prescription medications, stress, hormones, pregnancy….and a doctor will help you figure it out…

    Blessings,
    Laurie

  65. Comment by sanju on 2 March 2010:

    My periods are regular. but inbetween the periods, exactly on 11th/12th day light spotting starts in brown color and existes for 5 days and then stops… without taking these days in acount, my regular periods fall every 30 days gap in betweeen. why is this happening. please help me.

  66. Comment by Stephanie on 4 March 2010:

    I’m 20 years old and I haven’t had my period in several months, I believe the last one was in December. I have always been irregular but for a while it seemed like they were coming regularly. Then 2 weeks ago I started having a brownish discharge and now I’m just spotting a little bit, the thing that concerns me is ever since I started spotting my stomach has been cramping, its in the area above my belly button. I took a pregnancy test and it was negative. I don’t have the money for a doctor visit and I’m really scared something is wrong with me. Has anyone had a similar experience and some advice?

  67. Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 5 March 2010:

    Hi Sanju ~ to get help with your irregular periods, you really need to talk to a doctor directly. There could be many reasons for your spotting and brown color, and I can’t guess as to what they might be. Your family physician or even a gynecologist needs to help you weith that.

    Hi Stephanie ~ are there any free clinics for women in your area? Some places offer checkups at no charge, but it depends where you live. I suggest calling your local women’s help line for information on free or low-cost physician visits. Asking for advice online like this can be detrimental for your health, because if you don’t know why your periods have stopped, then you could take someone’s advice here — and it could make the problem worse.

    Seeing a doctor in person really is the most important thing you can do to get your menstrual cycle regular again! And, the old standard health advice always applies: get regular exercise (but don’t exercise excessively), eat a healthy diet, get the sleep your body needs, and deal with stress in healthy ways. And, if you’re taking prescription medication, find out if it affects your hormones (which affects your menstrual cycles!).

    Blessings,
    Laurie